William's adventure, which included one hotel stay set him back just £97.76

William told The Evening Standard: “Who would’ve known you can visit four cities for the price of one? I didn’t really believe it myself and it all kicked in when I touched down in Szczecin and saw this tiny airport.

“It is so bizarre. I knew, of course, the UK is more expensive than other places but it made me think the rail companies are charging so much for these trains, and wonder how much profit they are making.

“Especially for students, just getting around the country is so expensive, it is absolutely absurd - and that’s with a railcard. I’m so scared for when it expires.

“People are slagging off Ryanair, and although services can be bad, it does allow everyone to travel. It cost £10 for a flight - it’s cheaper to go from Stansted to Poland than from Stansted into central London.”

A spokesperson for Virgin Trains on the east coast route said: “Our average fares between London and Edinburgh are more than £30 cheaper than comparable airlines, with fares between London and Edinburgh starting at £25 one way when booked in advance.

"That’s why we’re seeing so many more customers deciding to take the train over the plane. If customers wish to travel via Poland on their way to Scotland, they might be able to find a cheap deal, but they’d miss out on a chance to relax while looking at the beautiful views afforded by the route, before arriving directly into Edinburgh’s wonderful city centre.”

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